Suspected Church Vandal Arrested: Watsonville Police

WATSONVILLE, CA — A man believed to be behind two recent vandalisms at St. Patrick's Parish on Main Street has been arrested by Watsonville police.

Arturo Padilla, 38, of Watsonville was arrested Sunday on Freedom Boulevard after citizen tips led police to him.

The arrest came after the Watsonville Police Department released surveillance video footageFriday of a man walking toward the front doors of St. Patrick's with a spray paint can in hand. About 15 seconds later, he's walking away from the area.

The suspect, later identified as Padilla, allegedly tagged the Watsonville church's front doors with a derogatory Spanish word.

Watsonville police believe Padilla is also tied to an earlier vandalism incident at the church. Total damage to St. Patrick's from both incidents was estimated to be more than $1,500, according to police.

" ... we cannot thank the community enough!" the WPD shared on Facebook. "In less than 24 hours of releasing surveillance footage, community members stepped up to the plate to identify Arturo Padilla as the suspect."

According to jail records, Padilla is being held on a vandalism charge with his bail set at $5,000.